JL Cruze earned a victory in the Open Trot at Dover Downs on Tuesday night (Dec. 29).
JL Cruze was driven aggressively by Dexter Dunn as they left and then retook the lead at the quarter pole. JL Cruze set fractions of :27, :56 and 1:24.3. Pat Matters and Andrew McCarthy were able to grab cover from Jack Vernon nearing the three-quarter pole and mounted a steady challenge. In the stretch, JL Cruze and Dexter Dunn were able to hold off a pocket-sitting Scirocco Rob to win by a neck as the 3/5 favourite in a 1:52.3 mile.
JL Cruze, a son of Crazed, is owned by Wood, Dittmar Jr. and Laquinta. It was the 41st victory for the gelding with earnings exceeding $1.5 million. He is trained by Eric Ell.
Scirocco Rob was second for trainer Mark Silva and driver Tim Tetrick. Jack Vernon finished third for trainer Dylan Davis and driver Corey Callahan.
Pat Berry won four races on the card.
Racing resumes at Dover Downs on Wednesday (Dec. 30). First-race post time is 4:30 p.m. (EST).
(Dover Downs)